| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
When I went to bed last night, there was no snow to be seen at all, anywhere around here. There's 14" of snow on the ground, with up to six more inches forecast before it's over. It's 18 degrees F, and the winds are gusting from 25 to 45 MPH from the Northeast. It's a good old fashioned Nor'Easter. If you don't think that weather like this can make a motorcyclist cranky, then you're living in a Fantasy. Let's all just take a deep breath and keep our eyes on the bouncing ball. my favorite coffee mug says WINTER SUCKS. | ||
| Buell_892 |
14" wow... i feel bad for you, i think i have like 4" right now and Im not sure if we are getting anymore  | ||
| Mr_cuell |
Courts post pretty much answered my original question. FWIW I feel like after reading his point of view I can give it the benefit of the doubt - | ||
| Eeeeek |
I didn't mean it to come across that I could be riding at a track today; but, I was at Sears Point all day Tuesday, will be back there on Friday and at Thunderhill on Saturday and Sunday.  Vik | ||
| Jon |
We have some good discourse cooking here from smart people... The best thing to do with the Anony feature is to deal with it. There is not going to be a check feature or a filter committee. Yes, the folks who are approved users of the anonymous option do speak up and are as volatile as any of us can be. However, if an Anony rubs you the wrong way, then speak up and let 'em have it. That's entirely fair. I know we're going to have differing opinions on this from top notch enthusiast class A people. But the Anony feature is an outlet that will remain on Badweb. (Message edited by jon on February 12, 2006) | ||
| Blake |
Detractors of the BadWeB "Anonymous" option, Please distinguish for me the difference between message board contributor "xyz" of whom we know nothing and an approved/vetted "Anonymous" contributor. Some here want to try to paint a picture of "Anonymous", who again is a collection of folks, as some kind of malevolent contributor here. While I might not approve of some "Anonymous" commentary, I sure don't see any kind of malevolent pattern like some here are asserting. I sure have seen some unfortunate patterns of naysaying and belittling and outright bullshit gossip/speculation from some though. It's all unfortunate. So how about we stop it here and now? Medic, I've been giving you the benefit of doubt for quite a while. No more. In my view, and I've been watching you closely for some time now, you are no Buell enthusiast. Frnakly, I don't trust a darn thing you post concerning Buell or Buell motorcycles. You seem intent on belittling and naysaying. Your motives here are highly suspect in my mind. I could be wrong. But I have serious doubts that you ever heard any such rumor as the one you saw fit to post here, one which if spread would do GREAT damage to BMC and to Buell dealers worldwide. I could be wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you are purposefully and maliciously spreading disinformation here in order to harm Buell Motorcycle Company. I and the other custodians will be scrutinizing your posts even more closely from here on out. If you are truly a Buell enthusiast, then pleasae forgive my irate skepticism and please think a bit more carefully about what you post before you post it. If you are not a Buell enthusiast, then please do us all a favor and depart our midst. Sooner or later we'll learn the truth. Can any other BadWeBr of note in/near NYC vouch for you? Court, Henrik? RE the anonymous issue... I guarantee you that should the choice come down to "Anonymous" or you, the decision will be an easy one. As to your rumor, I'd say it ranks right up there with the one I heard a few years back at my local non-Buell Harley dealer that "Buell is going out of business." I laughed out loud right in the man's face. (Message edited by blake on February 12, 2006) | ||
| Trenchtractor |
Further to that already posted... There is no requirement for anyone here to have any qualification. Some people make the most outrageous comments and claims, without having evidence to back them up. No one should take anything posted here as gospel, unless it comes with a reliable reference. That goes for everything from a55 dynos after chopping the 5h1t out of your OEM muffler, to rumours about the next MY. And as for Annon. I say let Annon be, I treat them with the same suspicion I treat every other poster I don't know (and some I do  ). | ||
| Hotrodsportster |
Vik 40 and sunny in Daytona Just got finished with the Bud Shootout Hope to see you and the West Coast Bunch at Sears this race. Court: Well said Blake: A moderate voice as always Regards all Tom | ||
| Mr_cuell |
Crap Blake that was pretty rough on Medic - kind of a loogy in the face move to accuse him of maybe intentionally trying harm the company. I knew this thread would stir some emotions, but damn son - tell us what you really think!  FWIW I of course don't follow the whole site like you do, and haven't been that active, but Medic is one of the names I recognize and tend to treat his posts as worthy of respect. I think the answer I was looking for in the original post was more confirmation that there is a process to vet these folks, and that they have a truly legit reason to be Anonymous. If they are sharing info that would be harmful to the Company, or against the Company's wishes that the info get out, and needing to be anony to do it, then obviously they should be banned, or exposed, to prevent said harm. If they are saying things that are within the rules of the MoCo then they should just use their name. But thats just me. If I ever build a Buell forum with a bazillion hits a day thats how I'll do it. And uh, yea, I'll be gettin right on that one . . . | ||
| Aeholton |
Does the anonymous feature really benefit us at all? Yes. | ||
| Mr_cuell |
Does it allow MoCo employees to share info that Buell American Motorcycles has decided it does not want shared, and as such, potentially damage the business plan of the very brand we love? As long as the answer to that is "No" then it seems like its no big deal I guess - (Message edited by Mr_cuell on February 12, 2006) | ||
| Eeeeek |
"Please distinguish for me the difference between message board contributor "xyz" of whom we know nothing and an approved/vetted "Anonymous" contributor." There is only one person posting as "xyz." Imagine the difficulty if three people posted as "Blake." You'd never be sure which "Blake you are talking to. Vik | ||
| Eeeeek |
Tom, One of these days we'll have to meet up. The last couple of times I was at Sears for NASCAR, I couldn't get to where you would be, even with Media credentials. Vik | ||
| Medic_2512 |
Blake, i almost don`t know what to say. Except i demand an appoligy. All i did was post what i was told which i believed to true. Nothing more and nothing less. I`ve owned several buells some over the last 8 years and still do today as well as having HD Stock. If your so smart here is the Vin# off my 2004 XB 4MZAX14J943425337 check it yourself. I hope people read your posting and learn who the real Blake is. | ||
| Medic_2512 |
Oh yeah i hate Buells, thats why i decided to sell my Suzuki GSXR 1000 on your site in order to buy another XB, to make into a racebike for this season. Here`s the link to that. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/169541.html?1139171459 | ||
| Jima4media |
Like it or not Discussion Groups, Mail Lists, and Weblogs are the future, and are here to stay. Corporations have to learn to deal with them. Robert Scoble is a blogger and evangelist for Microsoft. If any company gets more criticism than Microsoft, I am unaware of it. I might be one of their biggest critics, but I digress. Scoble has just written a book called - Naked Conversations - that deals with just this subject. - What is being said - good and bad about a company. I've known Robert since about 2000 when he worked for a software company, who software I use all the time. Whenever he says something about Microsoft, I know that information has been vetted and is the truth. Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson need people like Robert that carry the company flag. I once talked to Anonymous R about him doing such a job, and he said that is what he wanted to do. What ever happened to him by the way, is he still working for Harley and Buell? Read Robert's Microsoft blog at http://scobleizer.wordpress.com and get his book from amazon here - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047174719X/ (Message edited by jima4media on February 12, 2006) | ||
| Loki |
Just as an aside. We are all pretty much an annon until we meet face to face. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Blake I think you are dead wrong in your assesment of Medic and your stated intentions.He merely stated what he ahd heard and when basically told he was FOS stood by his statements.I was the one that was offended(again) by the tone of the recent anon posts.There is a way to defend your opinions without stooping to the petty namecalling etc that has been the wont recently.I am all for spirited debate and welcome the insight we get from anons from time to time.But that does not excuse the recent behavior. Like this--"a few vicious backstabbing posters with a history of vilfying Buell, start posting that they are "offended" by anonymous." in the middle of a sort of apology.And basically directed at Vik.Not good.And I can come up with more,but you all know what I mean.I am proud of the tone of this site and when ANYONE goes beyond the bounds I object. As I feel you are in your slam of Medic. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Oh,and just to make you all feel bad it was sunny and 68 today.Been 70's all week.Short shirt sleeve weather.Finished swapping head on my Sprint,--that was different, and got it up and running good.Had head done by Brian Nallin and it really makes a difference.Had a nice afternoon test ride.Then barbequed some bird for dinner. (Message edited by firemanjim on February 12, 2006) | ||
| Anonymous |
From another anonymous poster, posting for the second time today: The anonymous feature is currently necessary to release some information that should get out without the delays of getting it properly vetted through corporate channels. Should Buell have better channels for that? Probably, and it's something it should look at in the future. Is there at least one anonymous poster here a jerk? Sure seems to be the case. Some of the posts by others here are amazingly wrong, some are confrontational and Buell-bashing, and some are simply misinformed. There are also Buell employees literally working 100+ hour weeks getting the XBRR ready, guys whose family lives are going to hell because of it, but who believe in what they're doing. There are also a few people on the outside who are almost as involved in the project. I suspect one of the above is the anonymous jerk, and I'm willing to cut them a little slack if that's the case. However, some of these posts might well get someone terminated if their name were attached to it. So enjoy some of the information you wouldn't have if the anon. feature didn't exist, realize that "anonymous" is probably a half dozen or more different people, and realize like other posters, their value differs. And the anonymous contributions about 2007 product year plans so far have been vastly more accurate than anything told to Badweb contributors by dealers, etc. | ||
| Heads |
appoligy, yer sure Medic as if  I say no to anony aswell,but i guess we dont make the rules here. I spose we all should just get over it,hmmm or get the secret service on the job  | ||
| Rubberdown |
Jeez, if folks are placing their family in danger of collapse as the result of their dedication to their job, they need to step back and check priorities. I believe in passion and dedication in one's work, but we have kids to raise and that's important...a lot more important than the bike. That said, GO Buell Go! | ||
| Mr_cuell |
However, some of these posts might well get someone terminated if their name were attached to it. Then they should stop. If those who make the rules for the Company feel it serious enough to fire someone over shared info, then we should speed the process for that squealer. They apparently are not on board - Blake accused Medic of trying to damage the Company. Is sharing information deemed inappropriate enough to get one fired a similar infraction? Why aren't people up in arms about that? Are we selfishly wanting this info even though the Company doesn't want it out, and by extension encouraging action counter to the Company's wishes? My 2 cents is to that I would not like to see Anony's posting info that could get them fired, both for their own sake and the site's. That is counter to our support of the brand. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Personally, I mostly ignore anonymous posts. Information from an unknown source is not information. I mostly agree with what Loki said above but adding a name (phoney or not) adds SOME level of reference. For instance, say that poster X has been right in the past 85% of the time in the past and poster Y is mostly wrong, we are more likely to trust info from X than that of Y. Posting as an indeterminate entity interferes with this process. | ||
| Sarodude |
Idea: We've got a fair number of geeks on this board. Every user gets a GUID / UUID / whatever that's known only to them - and maybe the custodians. When posting anonymously, the UID is added someplace where maybe a click, hover, or something reveals it. We will never know who Anonymous is, but we'll know that it's Anonymous 521FB373-7654-49F2-BDB1-0C6E6660714F. That insane hexadecimal number, BTW, is a GUID / UUID for those not into geekery and is likely a bit extreme - but maybe it gets my point across. This will at least keep Anon's distinct - something that will help with credibility, confusion, and maybe even abuse. -Saro | ||
| Court |
Any process or procedure effectively renders valueless the entire concept. Leave it like it is. Fix the "receiver", not the "transmitter". Blake is perfectly capable of sorting out folks who should be allowed the privilege. If folks do not agree, they may politely say "I disagree". No need to start a "since you are posting anonymous, you are therefore (insert embarrassing and childish noun). Ditto with regards to those posting. Tis a two-way street. | ||
| Bomber |
as a coporate denizen of long standing, I appreciate that this board has found a way to allow Buell employees to share data, information, and opinions with us on this board -- the route to doing so "officially" is circuitous beyond reason, and won't change anytime soon. Regardless of what the Anny posts, even if it isn't data at all, in today's corporate/legal environment, simply posting "good morning everyone -- what a nice day to ride your Buell" could very well get a body fired . . . sad, but true. I agree entirely with Firemanjim, though -- it's a shame that some Anny posters are, er, behaving in a manner that does them no credit from time to time -- the vast majority of humans do so, however, and I think it would be wrong to expect better than human behavior from anyone here I believe it was Bake who posted something about learning to spearate wheat from chaff -- zactly, sir, in spite of the source, there is always a point of view to be taken into account -- no matter what the source, if I may quote an ex-President, "trust, but verify." Blake -- I applaud the anny feature (like Loki sez, we're all anny until we've met face to face) -- that said, and with a pretty good understanding of what it take to regulate the board (as an ex-regulator), I, too, think you're response to Medic's view was a bit heavy handed -- his status as a Buell enthusiast has nothing to do with his ability to post his opinion -- until, or unless, it is decided to ban him. should you decide to do so, it's your board, and you get to make the rules | ||
| Henrik |
This debate surfaces every so often - which I guess is a good thing. I see it as a sign of things changing and the web in general and Badweb in particular changing/maturing?? I liked Anony R as well. He/she would pop up with very valid answers to Buell related tech questions. Belt break-in etc. Things get a bit more fuzzy with the blanket "anony". Obviously these are several different people - read this again - they're people. And as people in general, some are better at expressing themselves in writing than others, some are better at rising above the hubbub and keep their tempers in check - you get the picture. Unless things have changed dramatically since I was a custodian every single anonymous posting is screened and reviewed for authenticity by Badweb custodians. No anonymous posts are allowed unless the poster is verified and otherwise wouldn't be able to post here. The anonymous feature carries both great advantages for Badweb, but even greater responsibility for the posters. While not everything we'd like to know can be revealed, we have over the years gotten some very good information directly from "the horses mouth" to the benefit of many owners. Owners with dealer issues have been helped in extraordinary fashion etc. I am very much in favor of retaining the Anonymous feature of Badweb. As for poster responsibility; while I can certainly understand the frustration of being taunted while working you heart out on your life dream, I also think anonymous posters - maybe unfairly - need to be held to a higher standard. I know I've posted things here that I'm not proud of, so I certainly understand. But the Anony's more than the rest of us need to lay off the personal commentary. Unless we set up distinct Anony accounts - in the same vein as Anony R. It's very difficult and almost meaningless to fire back at an anony post, not knowing which anony you're responding to. The "fire back" advice really only works if you can fire back at "Anony Bugs" or "Anony Daffy". In general I try (but sometimes fail) to 1) type heated personal attack 2) do not hit "Post", but save said post as text document 3) shut down computer 4) review heated personal attack the following day 5) if still deemed valid/necessary/well written. then post ... but more often I do a complete rewrite or simply delete. Just my 0.02 - or since it's quite long-winded maybe my 0.10  Henrik | ||
| Blake |
Medic, Like I said, I could well be wrong. I won't apologize at this point. Suggest you take my comments and observations to heart. Suggest you consider that this is a Buell enthusiasts' site and that by definition any contribution here that could do serious harm to BMC or Buell dealers, especially if invalid/untrue gossip, will be met with pointed rebuttal. Vic, "There is only one person posting as "xyz." Imagine the difficulty if three people posted as "Blake." You'd never be sure which "Blake" you are talking to." That is a valid point for sure. Although I'm sure a group of folks if they wanted could share access via a single username. Everytime I see a post from "Bake" I have to double take to be sure it was not one of my own.  But to counter your point, I would say that taking each post on its own merits, who cares? The only significant difference in my view is that anony posters have been vetted and approved. By definition, they have credibility. Contributor "xyz" does not. I've never posted anonymously, nor have any of the custodians. If they have, they were spanked accordingly. That's my take. Thanks Court, and Bomber and others who support our policy wrt anony posting. Some folks are doing their best to chase our anony contributors away, some out of honorable intent, but others may have ulterior motives. It would be a significant loss to BadWeB to lose the participation of anonymous contributors. That said, we would prefer they avoid confrontation and personal attack, just like everyone else. I'd simply counsel that the old addage to "consider the source" would serve some anonies well. GO BUELL RACING!!! I think some folks are threatened by the fact that Buell now makes an honest to goodness balls to the wall racing machine that may well put the hurt on the competition in AMA FX. Maybe not right out of the box at Daytona, but surely as time goes on. GO BUELL RACERS!!! | ||
| Blake |
FMJ, I appreciate your taking offense. I too think the generally derisive ASBN comment was off the mark in that it lumped some very fine folks and very ardent Buell enthusiasts in with a few naysayers and malcontents. I can however see where anony is coming from with his/her limited perspective on the issue. So I am willing to let it go with your and other's appropriate objections. You and I and others have made our opinions known. Further indignation is largely unproductive. The irate comments in question sure weren't the official stance of BMC, just of one very frustrated and beleagured anony who is sick and tired of seeing all the inflamatory, derisive belittling bullshit that a few malcontents and naysayers see fit to post here. I guarantee you that anony is no coward and that he/she is not alone in his/her views within the Buell motorcycling professional arena. Maybe I can relate better than most as I've been a target of such despicable derision myself. If any of the anonies are like me, they will soon learn to ignore the naysayers and stick to the high road, attacking the issues and avoiding the personal stuff. (Message edited by blake on February 13, 2006) |
